Search

The traditional method of fundamental solution (T-MFS) is known as an effective method for solving the scattering of elastic waves, but the T-MFS is inefficient in solving large-scale or broadband frequency problems. Therefore, in order to improve the performance in efficiency and memory requirement for treating practical complex 2-D broadband scattering problems, a new algorithm of fast multi-pole accelerated method of fundamental solution (FM-MFS) is proposed. Taking the 2-D scattering of SH waves around irregular scatterers in an elastic half-space as an example, the implementation steps are presented in detail. Based on the accuracy and efficiency verification, the FM-MFS is applied to solve the broadband frequency scattering of plane SH waves around group cavities, inclusions, a V-shaped canyon and a semi-elliptical hill. It shows that, compared with T-MFS, the FM-MFS has great advantages in reducing the consumed CPU time and memory for 2-D broadband scattering. Besides, the FM-MFS has excellent adaptability both for broad-frequency and complex-shaped scattering problems.

Chemokines and chemokine receptors cooperate to promote immune cell recruitment to the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, we investigated the roles of CXCR2 and CXCL1 in leukocyte recruitment to the CNS using a murine model of neuroinflammation. Wild-type (WT), CXCL1−/−, and CXCR2−/− mice each received an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Esterase staining and intravital microscopy were performed to examine neutrophil recruitment to the brain. To assess endothelial activation in these mice, the expression of adhesion molecules was measured via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting. To identify the cellular source of functional CXCR2, chimeric mice were generated by transferring bone marrow cells between the WT and CXCR2−/− mice. Expression levels of the chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL5 were significantly increased in the brain following the i.c.v. injection of LPS. CXCR2 or CXCL1 deficiency blocked neutrophil infiltration and leukocyte recruitment in the cerebral microvessels. In the CXCR2−/− and CXCL1−/− mice, the cerebral endothelial expression of adhesion molecules such as P-selectin and VCAM-1 was dramatically reduced. Furthermore, the bone marrow transfer experiments demonstrated that CXCR2 expression on CNS-residing cells is essential for cerebral endothelial activation and leukocyte recruitment. Compared with microglia, cultured astrocytes secreted a much higher level of CXCL1 in vitro. Astrocyte culture conditioned medium significantly increased the expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in cerebral endothelial cells in a CXCR2-dependent manner. Additionally, CXCR2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in cerebral endothelial cells but not in microglia or astrocytes was increased following tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulation. The intravenous injection of the CXCR2 antagonist SB225002 significantly inhibited endothelial activation and leukocyte recruitment to cerebral microvess

Purpose The paper aims to identify the middle class in China as in a typical emerging market. This is instrumental for the global businesses that desire to expand the markets, especially those who target the emerging middle class. Design and Methodology The paper offers a definition for middle class in China and also gives three criteria for identifying middle class. Then the questionnaires concerning the culture dimensions of middle class and working class were sent out and collected to find out what demographic factors have influence on the culture value system of different social classes. Findings Among all the six cultural dimensions, the Power distance, Individualism, Masculinity, Long-term orientation and Indulgence versus Restraint are significantly influenced by one or some of the factors of age, gender, education, income, occupation and marital status. Due to the difference of income, education and occupation, the cultural value system is different between working and middle class. This difference allows global businesses to make tailored branding and marketing strategies for emerging middle class in China. Originality and Value Although there are researches and literatures on defining middle class and identifying their role in the emerging market, this is the first time the culture value system being applied to make comparison between working and middle class, thus to inspire the global businesses of marketing and branding strategies.

Purpose The paper aims to identify the middle class in China as in a typical emerging market. This is instrumental for the global businesses that desire to expand the markets, especially those who target the emerging middle class. Design and Methodology The paper offers a definition for middle class in China and also gives three criteria for identifying middle class. Then the questionnaires concerning the culture dimensions of middle class and working class were sent out and collected to find out what demographic factors have influence on the culture value system of different social classes. Findings Among all the six cultural dimensions, the Power distance, Individualism, Masculinity, Long-term orientation and Indulgence versus Restraint are significantly influenced by one or some of the factors of age, gender, education, income, occupation and marital status. Due to the difference of income, education and occupation, the cultural value system is different between working and middle class. This difference allows global businesses to make tailored branding and marketing strategies for emerging middle class in China. Originality and Value Although there are researches and literatures on defining middle class and identifying their role in the emerging market, this is the first time the culture value system being applied to make comparison between working and middle class, thus to inspire the global businesses of marketing and branding strategies.

Purpose The paper aims to identify the middle class in China as in a typical emerging market. This is instrumental for the global businesses that desire to expand the markets, especially those who target the emerging middle class. Design and Methodology The paper offers a definition for middle class in China and also gives three criteria for identifying middle class. Then the questionnaires concerning the culture dimensions of middle class and working class were sent out and collected to find out what demographic factors have influence on the culture value system of different social classes. Findings Among all the six cultural dimensions, the Power distance, Individualism, Masculinity, Long-term orientation and Indulgence versus Restraint are significantly influenced by one or some of the factors of age, gender, education, income, occupation and marital status. Due to the difference of income, education and occupation, the cultural value system is different between working and middle class. This difference allows global businesses to make tailored branding and marketing strategies for emerging middle class in China. Originality and Value Although there are researches and literatures on defining middle class and identifying their role in the emerging market, this is the first time the culture value system being applied to make comparison between working and middle class, thus to inspire the global businesses of marketing and branding strategies.

Purpose The paper aims to identify the middle class in China as in a typical emerging market. This is instrumental for the global businesses that desire to expand the markets, especially those who target the emerging middle class. Design and Methodology The paper offers a definition for middle class in China and also gives three criteria for identifying middle class. Then the questionnaires concerning the culture dimensions of middle class and working class were sent out and collected to find out what demographic factors have influence on the culture value system of different social classes. Findings Among all the six cultural dimensions, the Power distance, Individualism, Masculinity, Long-term orientation and Indulgence versus Restraint are significantly influenced by one or some of the factors of age, gender, education, income, occupation and marital status. Due to the difference of income, education and occupation, the cultural value system is different between working and middle class. This difference allows global businesses to make tailored branding and marketing strategies for emerging middle class in China. Originality and Value Although there are researches and literatures on defining middle class and identifying their role in the emerging market, this is the first time the culture value system being applied to make comparison between working and middle class, thus to inspire the global businesses of marketing and branding strategies.